Former minor hockey coach and Big Brother charged with sexual assault

A former minor hockey coach and Big Brother volunteer has been charged in connection to a sexual assault investigation dating back to the 1990s.

Investigators from the Special Victims Unit arrested a 48 year-old male from Lindsay, Ontario, on April 25, 2014 following a lengthy investigation. He was charged with the offences of sexual assault and sexual exploitation.

Constable media relations officer Fiona Thivierge said the charges laid against the man stemmed from one victim.

According to a news release from Peel Regional Police, the man was a coach with the Streetsville Minor Hockey Association in the early 1990s and a big brother for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel between September 1990, and June, 1994.

Shari Lynn Ladanchuk, President and CEO of the Peel agency, sent the Star a written statement that confirmed Kachanovsky was involved with Big Brothers over 20 years ago.

“Our organization has been made aware that a former volunteer has been charged in relation to several incidents, wrote Ladanchuk. “We will be working with the police to fulfil any requests for information and will continue to examine our internal processes as they relate to child protection.”

A representative from the hockey association said it expects to release a statement by the end of the week.

Michael Kachanovsky is slated to appear in court May 26, 2014.

Peel Police are asking for anyone who may have been victimized or who has more information on this investigation to contact investigators at (905) 453-2121, ext. 3460, or leave an anonymous tip for Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or on their website at www.peelcrimestoppers.cawww.peelcrimestoppers.caEND .